Christmas Eve at Friday Harbor: Friday Harbor, Book 1

"Dear Santa, what I really want for Christmas is a mom...." In the close-knit community of Friday Harbor, secrets don’t last long. So when the local radio station reads Dear Santa letters on the airwaves, everyone knows this heartwrenching letter was written by Zarchary Nolan’s adorable young daughter Halle. Zachary has been a widower for two years, and his family and friends have decided it’s time for him to start dating. But will all their matchmaking efforts help to make Halle’s Christmas wish come true?

Sugar Daddy

Liberty Jones has dreams that will take her far away from Welcome, Texas, if she can keep her wild heart from ruling her mind. Hardy Cates sees Liberty as completely off-limits. His own ambitions are bigger than Welcome, and Liberty Jones is a complication he doesn't need. When Hardy leaves town to pursue his plans, Liberty soon finds herself under the spell of a billionaire tycoon.

Where Dreams Begin

Zachary Bronson has built an empire of wealth and power, but all London knows he is not a gentleman. He needs a wife to secure his position in society – and to warm his bed in private. But one alluring, unexpected kiss from Lady Holly Taylor awakens a powerful need within him beyond respectability. An exceptional beauty whose fierce passions match Zachary’s own, Holly always intended to play by society’s rules, even when they clashed with her bolder instincts. But now a dashing stranger has made her a scandalous offer that does not include matrimony....

Cold-Hearted Rake

Devon Ravenel, London's most wickedly charming rake, has just inherited an earldom. But his powerful new rank in society comes with unwanted responsibilities...and more than a few surprises. His estate is saddled with debt, and the late earl's three innocent sisters are still occupying the house - along with Kathleen, Lady Trenear, a beautiful young widow whose sharp wit and determination are a match for Devon's own.

Stranger in My Arms

“Lady Hawksworth, your husband is not dead.” With those words, Lara’s life turned upside down. Hunter, Earl of Hawksworth, had been lost at sea. Or so she’d been told. Their unhappy marriage - with its cold caresses and passionless kisses – was over. But now a powerful, virile man stood before her, telling secrets only a husband could know, and vowing she would once again be his wife in every way.

Mine Till Midnight: The Hathaways, Book 1

When an unexpected inheritance elevates her family to the ranks of the aristocracy, Amelia Hathaway discovers that tending to her younger sisters and wayward brother was easy compared to navigating the intricacies of the ton. Even more challenging: the attraction she feels for the tall, dark, and dangerously handsome Cam Rohan.

Amazon Customer says:"It's different from the book - but not abridged"

Lady Sophia's Lover

Lady Sophia Sydney would do anything to ensnare the unattainable Sir Ross Cannon. Her goal - to ruin his reputation and cause a scandal that would be the talk of all London. So she insinuates herself into his life by gaining his trust and living in his house.Every morning, her lush presence tempts him beyond all reason... the way she bends over the table to serve him the meals she has prepared...the way her hands oh, so gently - yet sensuously - brush against him. She knows he is falling more in love with her each day.

The Duke and I

Simon Basset, the irresistible Duke of Hastings, has hatched a plan to keep himself free from the town's marriage-minded society mothers. He pretends to be engaged to the lovely Daphne Bridgerton. After all, it isn't as if the brooding rogue has any real plans to marry - though there is something about the alluring Miss Bridgerton that sets Simon's heart beating a bit faster. And as for Daphne, surely the clever debutante will attract some very worthy suitors now that it seems a duke has declared her desirable.

Again the Magic

Lady Aline Marsden was brought up for one reason: to make an advantageous marriage to a member of her own class. Instead, she willingly gave her innocence to John McKenna, a servant on her father’s estate. Their passionate transgression was unforgivable - John was sent away, and Aline was left to live in the countryside - an exile from London society - and he took her love. Now McKenna has made his fortune, and he has returned - more boldly handsome and more mesmerizing than before.

Everywhere and Every Way: The Billionaire Builders, Book 1

Ever the responsible eldest brother, Caleb Pierce started working for his father's luxury contracting business at a young age, dreaming of one day sitting in the boss' chair. But his father's will throws a wrench in his plans by stipulating that Caleb share control of the family business with his two estranged brothers. Things only get more complicated when demanding high-end home designer Morgan hires Caleb to build her a customized dream house that matches her specifications to a T - or she'll use her powerful connections to poison the Pierce brothers' reputation.

Because of Miss Bridgerton: The Bridgerton Series

Everyone expects Billie Bridgerton to marry one of the Rokesby brothers. The two families have been neighbors for centuries, and as a child the tomboyish Billie ran wild with Edward and Andrew. Either one would make a perfect husband...someday.

The Most Dangerous Duke in London

Clara may be the woman Adam wants, but there's one problem: She's far more interested in publishing her women's journal than getting married - especially to a man said to be dead-set on vengeance. Though with her nose for a story, Clara wonders if his desire for justice is sincere - along with his incredibly unnerving intention to be her husband. If her weak-kneed response to his kiss is any indication, falling for Adam clearly comes with a cost. But who knew courting danger could be such exhilarating fun?

Publisher's Summary

Lucy Marinn is a glass artist living in mystical, beautiful Friday Harbor, Washington, with a boyfriend, Kevin, who she believes is her soul mate. She has always had a magical side – a gift that finds its way into the breathtaking glasswork she creates – and she struggles to keep it contained. But when Lucy is blindsided by the most bitter kind of betrayal, she questions many of her choices. Her boyfriend leaves her and his new lover is none other than Lucy’s own sister. Lucy’s bitterness over this devastation is multiplied by the fact that she has constantly made the wrong choices in her romantic life.

Meanwhile, facing the severe disapproval of Lucy’s family, Kevin asks his friend Sam Nolan, a local vineyard owner on San Juan Island, to “romance” Lucy so that she can more easily move on. But when Sam and Lucy begin to feel real sparks between them, Lucy must ask herself if she can easily risk her heart again. As Lucy questions her beliefs about love, loyalty, old patterns, mistakes, and new beginnings, she explores the possibility that some things in life - even after being broken - can be re-made into something beautiful. And that it is only by discovering who you really are that you can find the one who truly deserves you.

When I read romance novels, there are certain components that make or break the book for me. Of course, at the most basic level, the author has to knows how to write and execute a story. Given that, I have to like the main character and find myself rooting for his/her happiness, laugh aloud at least once in the story, and ultimately be left with a heart warming ending.

Rainshadow Road focuses on Lucy and her family and stayed true to the storyline without all the extra fuss and dramatics that often get thrown in gratuitously. I strongly dislike dramatic irony in fiction, especially in romance novels. Knowing the main character was deceived and will suffer because of it throughout most of the story or that something terrible has to happen in the end for the story to be resolved gives me anxiety and takes the joy out of reading for pleasure.

This is only my second contemporary novel (the first being Christmas Eve at Bar Harbor) by Lisa Kleypas. I really enjoyed her Hathaway series and Wallflower series and decided to try her contemporary fiction. Rainshadow Road does not disappoint. Lisa Kleypas has a way of infusing humor and witty banter in her dialogues. This book is definitely one that I will listen to again.

It's not absolutely necessary to read the first book in order to enjoy Rainshadow Road, but I would highly recommend starting with Christmas Eve at Bar Harbor to appreciate the interactions and development of the characters.

After reading Rainshadow Road I know I'll be waiting for the Friday Harbor books as they are released. I'm looking forward to reading Zoe's story when it comes out in August.

I had high hopes for this book and was not disappointed. I went along for the ride and it was not bumpy. I laughed at the magic because it was improbable but didn't detract. I found this book to be gripping at times but not in its entirety. Yes, if you want it, get it.Who am I to criticize a crown jewel in romance.

I was waiting for Lisa Kleypas to write another contemporary romance book for a while. She has written several historical books lately and ignored us that like her contemporary books, but she finally came through. I expected more since, but I was not disappointed.

I am not sure I liked or bought the mystical part of this story. It was a fairly good story. It has lots of family drama, love and some sex. I found both Lucy and Sam rather interesting. Kevin was a real dud. I found the book mostly believable. Usually that does not turn me off if it entertains me. I think Ms. Kleypas has done better jobs in the past and this was not one of her stella books. She usually weaves a really good book and keeps you on the edge of your seat. This is definitely chic/lit. If you are looking for a piece that is strong and like her other work then you won't get it here. But you will be entertained and can enjoy the story. It is just not up to her usual standards but better than most.

This book is clearly a straight up romance, she clears up the loose ends in the end and it's a happy ending. I would have liked Kevin to get what he deserved, but you simply can't have everything. Kevin was Lucy's boyfriend that broke her heart then had the never to want her back after she finally moved on and was happy.

I am an avid believer we need the plain and simple sometimes. So if you don't want the suspense and not much drama. A quick love story; this is it.